Mindful eating can help us to make more intentional food choices and be aware of our feelings related to eating. Try these tips to help practice mindful eating during the holiday season:
- Don’t skip meals. “Saving calories” for a big holiday meal can lead to low blood sugar, more food cravings and overeating. Listen to your hunger cues. Allow yourself to have balanced meals and snacks like you would on any other day.
- Enjoy. Many holiday foods hold special memories or cultural relevance. Avoiding them may lead to cravings or feeling unsatisfied. Allow yourself to enjoy these foods in moderation.
- Reflect. Try to identify your emotions before you start your meal. Are you truly hungry? Are you feeling stressed? Sad? Lonely? Bored?
- Practice self-care. As you notice your emotions, find ways to address them like taking walks, meditating, resting, and embracing social support from loved ones or professionals.
- Tune in. Chew your food slowly. Notice the colors, tastes, textures, smells of your foods and how eating them make you feel. Check in during the meal and notice how the feelings of hunger and fullness change.
Ingredients: (Serves 8)
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
- 6 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 diced apple
- 1/3 cup toasted and chopped pecans
- Make the dressing by mixing olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl combine the sliced Brussels sprouts diced apples, toasted pecans and dressing and toss to coat.